Real Life Drama Productions

High school itself is one overly exaggerated drama production that no one really ever wants to star in, but there are some highlights to it, like actual drama productions. I myself am a giant drama nerd so I favour this aspect.

Being halfway through high school and performed in three productions, it’s a good feeling to be on stage. Performing is exhilarating. All the hard work put into rehearsals and memorizing lines, moulding a character from an idea, it’s an incredible feeling. This sounds really cheesy, but it’s probably one the best things I’ve experienced in high school. It gives you a sense of belonging to a group of people, sometimes from all different cliques.

Amongst the fun I’ve had, drama has taught me a few things about myself too. They are ideas I picked up and am beginning to apply to everything I pursue.

1. Go above and beyond. Spoken like a true classic drama nerd, over acting can be ridiculously annoying. You may be timid and shy in real life, but then you really put your all into a performance, it reflects when an audience is watching. It makes it enjoyable and worth watching! As for everything else in life, putting only half your effort in has never and will never result in something you’re proud of. There’s a difference between accepting the result and being content with it. It will always be easier to do the bare minimum, but trying hard, being content with it, and working harder the next time will give you a sense of fulfilment, (in my opinion at least).

2. Focus on what you need to do. Being nervous on stage is a definite struggle. I get random bouts of anxiety when I’m in front of large groups of people, and I get really antsy while I’m performing. But just like anything you want to do, do it proudly and for yourself. Depending on others and having them depend on you is what life (and plays) entitle, but it is important to never forget what you have to do first before catering to the needs of others. Stay focused on your own physical, mental and emotional health. Make sure you’re understanding and taking care of what you need to do for you before you start caring for other people.

3. Ask questions. Nothing is worse than getting a script and trying to decipher how the director wants the character portrayed, so ask. Ask what they want to see and find ways to incorporate your own ideas. Asking when you don’t know, or don’t understand is okay, in fact, it’s respectable. Getting involved in something, or doing a project and having absolutely no idea what you’re doing is more embarrassing than setting aside your pride and asking questions.

4. Involve everyone. Drama is nice because regardless of what other cliques you’re a part of, you can just be weird and nerdy and have fun. I’m weird and nerdy and try to have fun most of the time, but then drama freely lets me do that and not get judged! Involving everyone who wants to be involved is an important habit to have. Excluding people because they are different mentally or physically, or because they aren’t like the usual group of people you hang around is a habit that needs to be unlearned. It’s a very common thing to follow whatever the crowd is doing, but stand out and let those who are different be treated equally and enjoy themselves. Everyone who is capable should have the same opportunities.

I thrive on the cliche aspects of life. Each person can take them however they wish to, but ultimately I believe these are important lessons and approaches to all things in life, y’know? If it takes anymore convincing, there are a countless number of benefits of viewing the world through the eyes of a drama kid.